Butternut Valley Alliance Joins Otsego Outdoors Collaborative

By DARLA M. YOUNGS OTSEGO

COUNTY

Having recently welcomed the Butternut Valley Alliance to its ranks, the Otsego Outdoors program has now grown from a trio of partner organizations to a quartet.

Otsego Outdoors, known for its seasonal Otsego Octet Challenges, connects county residents and visitors with year-round recreational opportunities.

The collaborative program was begun in May of 2017 by Otsego 2000, the Otsego Land Trust and the Otsego County Conservation Association.

“BVA is thrilled to join Otsego Outdoors as a partner organization,” said Executive

Director Michele Farwell. “It has been great working with the program informally over the past few years and we are excited to strengthen our collaboration. It’s an ideal way for us to bring attention to the Butternut Valley’s outdoor offerings.”

According to Farwell, the Butternut Valley is home to five state forests and parks with wonderful walking trails for short day hikes and outings. Working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the BVA recently agreed to be voluntary stewards for three state forests in the valley—Texas School House State Forest, Wagner Farm State Forest and General Jacob Morris State Forest, Farwell said.

“We are happy to formalize our partnership with the Butternut Valley Alliance,” said Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000, which manages Otsego Outdoors. “They are wonderful environmental and community advocates in western Otsego County. With four nonprofit organizations working together on this important program, we will be able to reach more people and further enhance recreational opportunities and quality of life here in Otsego County.”

In past years, Otsego Outdoors has helped the BVA promote its annual “Butternut Creek Fun Float” in Gilbertsville and the “Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder” in New Lisbon, both of which Farwell said are great ways to explore the valley, by boat or by bike.

“And this year will be BVA’s third year of hosting ‘On the Trail of Art,’ a weekend long art exhibit displayed along a forest walking trail,” Farwell continued.

“On the Trail of Art 2023” will take place June 10 and 11 at General Jacob Morris State Forest in Morris. Otsego Outdoors promotes publicly accessible trails, bike routes, and waterways in and

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